Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze

If you’re searching for the coziest fall bake to sweep you right into sweater weather, let me introduce you to my Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze. This loaf brings together the warmth of aromatic pumpkin spice, the richness of real pumpkin, and a nutty brown butter—then it gets lavishly draped in a glossy, salted maple glaze that takes everything over the top. It’s the kind of deliciously tender quick bread that makes your whole kitchen smell like autumn, and one bite will have you swooning for seconds (and thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze relies on a handful of pantry staples—and just a couple of special ingredients that create those deep, irresistible flavors. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one makes this loaf such a standout.

• Brown Sugar: Lends moisture, caramel notes, and a gorgeous amber crumb that sets this bread apart.
• White Sugar: Gives the loaf a delicate sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings real pumpkin goodness and that dreamy moistness every great pumpkin bread needs.
• Large Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure so you get neat, satisfying slices.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps keep the crumb soft—don’t be afraid to use whole for the creamiest results.
• Brown Butter: This is the secret to nutty, complex flavor both in the bread and that irresistible glaze.
• Neutral Oil: Brings lightness and ensures the loaf stays moist days after baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances spice and sweetness with a beautiful hint of warmth.
• Salt: Essential for flavor; don’t skip it—it wakes up every sweet, nutty, and spicy note.
• All Purpose Flour: The backbone of your bread, creating a plush, sliceable loaf.
• Baking Soda: For just the right rise and a perfect tender crumb.
• Pumpkin Spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—use homemade or your favorite store-bought.
• Maple Syrup (for glaze): Sweet, rich, and deeply autumnal, this makes the glaze truly special.
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Whips the glaze up into a smooth, drizzle-ready topping.
• Milk (for glaze): Use just a splash to perfect the consistency of your glaze.
• Additional Brown Butter (for glaze): Because you can never have too much nutty flavor laced through every bite.
• A Pinch of Salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness of the maple and ties the whole loaf together beautifully.
• A Dash of Vanilla Extract (for glaze): Just a hint of vanilla deepens the flavor of the glaze.

How to Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by browning your butter—a process that’s honestly delightful in itself. Melt the butter over medium heat, swirling it until it foams and takes on a deep golden color, with plenty of toasty, nutty aromas. Don’t rush or walk away; brown butter can go from nutty to burned in a flash. When it smells like heaven and little brown flecks form at the bottom, pour it into a bowl to cool.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, whole milk, your cooled brown butter, neutral oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a glossy, creamy base—the mixture should smell wonderfully sweet and spicy already!

Step 3: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sift the all purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice directly over the wet ingredients. This sifting step removes any lumps and helps the spices mingle evenly throughout the batter. Gently whisk or fold the dry ingredients in, being careful not to overmix—just until you don’t see any flour streaks.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The aroma that fills your kitchen will make this step the hardest—waiting!

Step 5: Prepare the Salted Maple Glaze

While your bread cools slightly in the pan for about 15 minutes, whisk together the brown butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, pinch of salt, and a dash of vanilla extract. Add a little milk as needed until the glaze is pourable but thick. This luscious glaze is pure autumn in a bowl.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

When the loaf is cool but still just a bit warm, drizzle the salted maple glaze generously over the top. It will seep into the cracks and infuse every bite with sweet, salty, maply goodness. Slice thick, pour yourself a cup of something cozy, and get ready to fall in love with Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze.

How to Serve Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze

Garnishes

The finishing touch can really make this loaf special. Try adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a lovely crunch. A light dusting of extra pumpkin spice, or even some orange zest, can add fragrance and color for a stunning presentation. If you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of whipped cream alongside each slice is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

For a wholesome brunch, serve your Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze with fresh autumn fruit—think sliced pears or apples—and a bowl of Greek yogurt. It also pairs beautifully with rich, dark coffee or a spiced chai latte. For dessert, turn it into a plated treat with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the loaf: bake the batter as muffins (adjusting the bake time), or cut thick slices and toast them lightly, then spread with salted butter or apple butter. Wrap up mini loaves or muffins in parchment and tie with twine for the sweetest fall gift. It’s also delightful cubed and used as the base for a whimsical autumn trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze will keep moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the crumb soft and keep the glaze from getting sticky.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze the bread (unglazed) tightly wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature, then drizzle with the fresh glaze before serving—it’s as good as day one.

Reheating

If you love warm pumpkin bread, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or place the whole loaf (unglazed) in a 300°F oven loosely covered with foil until warmed. Glaze after reheating so it stays silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree adds a fresh flavor, just make sure to strain off any excess liquid so the bread doesn’t end up too dense or soggy.

Is there a substitute for brown butter if I’m short on time?

You can use melted regular butter, but the brown butter truly gives this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze its signature nutty richness. If you have just five minutes, browning the butter is absolutely worth it!

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden and the loaf should spring back lightly when pressed.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten free baking blend. Double-check that your other ingredients are gluten free and bake as directed.

What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

If your glaze is too thick, simply add a splash more milk until it’s pourable. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up until it clings beautifully to the loaf.

Final Thoughts

Few things capture the flavor of fall like this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze, and I genuinely hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Let its aroma fill your home and share a slice (or two) with someone you love—it’s the ultimate comfort bake you’ll crave all season long!

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